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Johnson out of lineup with bruised fingers

6/19/14: Kelly Johnson drives in Carlos Beltran with a bases-loaded sacrifice fly to right field to give the Yankees a 2-0 lead

By Jamal Collier and Jake Kring-Schreifels
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MLB.com |

NEW YORK -- Yankees third baseman Kelly Johnson wasn't in the team's starting lineup on Friday against the Orioles, a day after he was removed from a game with bruised fingers.

Manager Joe Girardi said Johnson's fingers are still sore but he would be available if necessary.

The injury happened in the sixth inning on Thursday against the Blue Jays with Johnson attempting to bunt. Girardi said his status is day to day.

Johnson was hitting .333 during his last 10 games, which earned him back his regular spot in the lineup.

"It's not what you want," Girardi said. "It is unfortunate, but we don't think it will be long."

Yangervis Solarte started in Johnson's place at third and hit ninth in the lineup. Solarte has scuffled a bit lately after a fast start. He has not had a hit since June 8 against the Royals, although he did force in a run by drawing a bases-loaded walk on Thursday.

"It's just kind of what you go through as a hitter," Girardi said. "I haven't seen a big change in his at-bats."

Jamal Collier and Jake Kring-Schreifels are associate reporters for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.